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Week Ending May 11, 2006

H.R.1595 To implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission.

During WW II the residents of Guam were allies with the US and suffered under Japanese occupation due to that allegiance. The island residents were subject to death, rape, sever personal injury, forced labor, forced march or internment. Yet the residents remained loyal and exercised countless acts of courage against the Japanese occupiers. To compensate for the suffering and to reward the allegiance the bill sets up a schedule of payments the amount of which would be determined by the severity of the treatment persevered. Grants are made available to memorialize events surrounding the occupation.

This bill would reward that allegiance and sacrifice by paying $15,000 if they suffered rape or severe personal injury (such as loss of a limb, dismemberment, or paralysis) $7,000 would be paid a survivor; $12,000 if they suffered forced labor or a personal injury (such as disfigurement, scarring, or burns); $10,000 if they suffered forced march, internment, or hiding to evade internment.

If there is a living spouse but no child by the couple $25,000 would be paid to the spouse. If there are children half would go to them. If only children survive the money goes to them. If only parents survive the money goes to them. No spouse, children or parent means no payment. Any previously paid restitution amounts would be subtracted from this bill’s compensations. No interest will be paid on the award.

The bill goers further to award grants from unobligated funds for research, educational and media activities that memorialize the events surrounding the occupation of Guam in WWII.

Sponsor:  Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU)

Vote: Passed House May 8, 2007 (RC 309)

Cost to the taxpayers: “There are authorized to be appropriated $126,000,000, to remain available for obligation until September 30, 2012, to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to carry out this Act. Not more than 5 percent of funds made available under this subsection shall be used for administrative costs.”

Earmark Certification:   Not applicable to this bill.

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